🔗 Share this article

The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, comprising the directors of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these gaps are eliminated," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it began, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could take several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have reported they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the blaze erupted. Hong Kong's fire service determined that alarms in every tower were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended construction activities on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was part of a group calling for an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive collected over 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by police, per press accounts.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the local government to openly examine the reasons of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 occupants, per a population count.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years old. Several have lived in the public housing complex from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals died.